Press Releases

Schrader Calls Ruling on DACA Renewals Welcome News, Not Far Enough

Following breaking news that a judge has ruled to allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to continue to apply for renewal, Congressman Kurt Schrader issued the following statement lambasting Congressional inaction on DACA.

“It was heartless when the rug was ripped out from underneath 800,000 young people across this country last fall. The future for thousands of our young people was thrown into a black hole, and inaction by this legislative body since has been downright cruel. News last night that young folks will be able to continue to renew their DACA status another few months is welcome, but it does not go far enough. My Republican colleagues have dragged their feet long enough and played more than enough political games. Dreamers’ legal status will end in less than two months unless we take action. Let’s get it together and vote on a clean Dream Act because all we’re doing now is playing with people’s lives.”

Congressman Schrader has taken to the House floor and social media since the fall to share the story of a DACA recipient from his district. Hear their stories below.

[VIDEO] Marco's Story: a Portland Dreamer, Bachelor’s Degree holder in Accounting, and accountant for an Oregon non-profit that benefits youth.

[VIDEO] Hugo's Story: a Salem Dreamer, company commander of high school JROTC, Salem “Youth of the Year” recipient, and University of Oregon Economics degree holder.

[VIDEO] Priscila's Story: a Salem Dreamer, Oregon State University Human Development & Family Sciences major, and aspiring guidance counselor for South Salem High School.

[VIDEO] Juan's Story: a Monmouth Dreamer, research patient with Cerebral Palsy at Shriners Hospital, Western Oregon University graduate, and current graduate student at Oregon State University.